Last Updated: 28/03/2025
Can Cats Eat Strawberries?
Curious if strawberries are safe for your cat? Check our guide for all the answers
Author: Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 11 minutes - short read
Mmm—plump, juicy, red strawberries. Is there anything better? Packed with vitamin C, fiber, and natural sweetness, strawberries are a favorite for many—and some cats love this tasty fruit, too! But are strawberries actually safe for your cat?
Yes, strawberries are safe for cats! All parts of the strawberry—from the fruit to the seeds to the leaves—are non-toxic to cats. However, as obligate carnivores, cats should only enjoy strawberries in small amounts as an occasional treat.
Always wash strawberries before feeding them to your cat to remove any pesticides, dirt, or bugs.
Health benefits of strawberries
Cats are obligate carnivores, so don't benefit as much from the nutrients in strawberries (such as Vitamin C) in the same way dogs do. However, there are still benefits to giving your cat the odd morsel of strawberry fruit, including:
- Strawberries contain antioxidants, which can help promote a strong immune system
- Strawberries are high in fibre, which is great for your cat's gut health
- They contain only 32 calories per 100g - making it a great option for treating kitties on a diet.
- They also contain no fat or cholesterol, so it's a safe treat for cats who experience pancreatitis or IBD.
Nutritional considerations of feeding strawberries to cats
Can cats eat strawberry leaves?
Yes, strawberry leaves are safe for your cat. Some cats love to munch on them in the same way they chew on grass. Just make sure the leaves have been washed to remove any pesticides!
Are strawberries high in sugar?
No - strawberries are one of the lowest sugar-content fruits around, containing only 4.9g sugar per 100g.1 To compare, bananas contain 12g per 100g, and figs contain 16g per 100g! Some advice will warn of moderating strawberry consumption due to sugar content, but in truth you can feed a lot more strawberries to your cat than most other fruits without worrying about sugar.
However, caution should always be taken in cats with diabetes. If your cat suffers from diabetes, it's best not to give them fruit - even low sugar options like berries.
Can cats eat store bought frozen strawberries?
If you're going to feed your cat strawberries, it's generally recommended to opt for fresh strawberries. You may wish to freeze fresh strawberries as a tasty frozen treat, but generally we advise against commercially packed frozen berries.
Storebought frozen strawberries are often higher in sugar than fresh strawberries. Not only does freezing naturally concentrate the fruit into a more nutrient-dense state, but some manufacturers add strawberry juice or syrup to the pack to enhance the flavour.
In addition, recent outbreaks of infectious diseases from frozen berries (such as the 2015 hepatitis outbreak) have led to many experts recommending boiling or cooking frozen berries2 before eating them, to remove the risk of disease. So, generally we recommend choosing fresh berries for your cat!
How to feed your cat strawberries
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they don't benefit from an excess of fruit or vegetables in their diet. But strawberries as an occasional treat are completely fine. Make sure you wash them prior to giving them to your cat, to remove any pesticides, dirt, or bugs.
You can give them to your cat whole, cut them into slices, freeze them and give as natural popsicles on a hot day, or you can blend them into a puree. And you can of course share them with your cat, passing them a couple of leaves while you consume the tasty red fruit!
Further Reading
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
October 2022
Written by Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr. Carla graduated from the University of Queensland in 2013 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and worked for a number of years in small animal clinics across South East Queensland. While Carla enjoys most facets of clinical veterinary work, she holds a special passion for feline medicine, pocket pets, and nutrition.
